Field
[0001] Embodiments relate to an image forming apparatus and an image forming method.
BACKGROUND
[0002] There are on-demand heating devices such as film fixing units. Such an on-demand
heating device drives a film or a fixing belt by a rotating member provided with an
elastic layer. In such an on-demand heating apparatus, a lubricant such as grease
is applied to the film, so that torque required for driving the film is reduced. However,
the viscosity of the lubricant varies depending on the temperature. For this reason,
in an on-demand heating apparatus which has not been used for a while, the viscosity
of the lubricant becomes high, and a large torque is required for driving the film,
which may cause the film not to be driven properly.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003]
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus according
to a first embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of the image forming apparatus according
to the first embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a front sectional view of a fixing unit according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a front sectional view of a heater unit of the fixing unit according to
the first embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the heater unit according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a top view of a heater thermometer and a thermostat according to the first
embodiment.
FIG. 7 is an electric circuit diagram of the fixing unit according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating processing executed by a controller during a period
from the start of the pre-processing period to the execution of the post-processing
in the first embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating processing for determining a pre-processing energization
method by the controller according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a relationship between torque and temperature of the
heating element set in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus
according to a second embodiment.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating processing executed by a controller of the image
forming apparatus during a period from the start of the pre-processing period to the
execution of the post-processing in the second embodiment.
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an ambient thermometer in a modification example.
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an angle θ formed in the modified example.
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a relationship between temperature measured by a film
thermometer and temperature of the heating element set for each angle θ in the modification
example.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0004] An image forming apparatus according to an embodiment comprises: a fixing unit including
a heater including a heating element, a fixing belt having a surface to which a lubricant
is applied and contacting the heater through the lubricant, and a pressing roller
capable of pressing and rotating the fixing belt; a power supply configured to supply
electric power to the heating element; a first thermometer configured to measure temperature
of the heating element; and a controller configured to determine a first amount of
electric power to be supplied to the heating element based on the temperature of the
heating element, and control the power supply to supply the determined first amount
of electric power to the heating element, before controlling the pressing roller to
rotate.
[0005] Preferably, the image forming apparatus further comprises a second thermometer configured
to measure temperature of the fixing belt, wherein the controller determines the first
amount of electric power further based on the temperature of the fixing belt.
[0006] Preferably, the controller determines, as the first amount of electric power, a first
predetermined amount of electric power when the temperature of the fixing belt is
lower than a first predetermined value and the temperature of the heating element
is lower than a second predetermined value.
[0007] Preferably, the controller determines, as the first amount of electric power, a second
predetermined amount of electric power when the temperature of the fixing belt is
lower than the first predetermined value and the temperature of the heating element
is equal to or higher than the second predetermined value but lower than a third predetermined
value, and
the second predetermined amount of electric power is less than the first predetermined
amount of electric power.
[0008] Preferably, the controller determines, as the first amount of electric power, a third
predetermined amount of electric power either when the temperature of the fixing belt
is equal to or higher than the first threshold value or when the temperature of the
fixing belt is lower than the first threshold value and the temperature of the heating
element is equal to or greater than the third threshold value, and
the third predetermined amount of electric power is less than the second predetermined
amount of electric power.
[0009] Preferably, the image forming apparatus further comprises a third thermometer configured
to measure temperature outside of the fixing belt, wherein the controller is configured
to correct the determined first amount of electric power based on the temperature
measured by the third thermometer.
[0010] Preferably, the third thermometer is attached to a housing of the image forming apparatus.
[0011] Preferably, the second thermometer is arranged inside the fixing belt.
[0012] Preferably, the second thermometer contacts the surface of the fixing belt to which
the lubricant is applied.
[0013] Preferably, the controller is configured to determine, based on the temperature of
the fixing belt, a second amount of electric power to be supplied to the heating element
when the pressing roller is rotating.
[0014] In another exemplary embodiment, there is also provided a method for controlling
a fixing unit of an image forming apparatus, the fixing unit including a heater, a
fixing belt having a surface to which a lubricant is applied and contacting the heater
through the lubricant, and a pressing roller capable of pressing and rotating the
fixing belt, the method comprising:
measuring temperature of a heating element of the heater; and
before rotating the pressing roller, determining a first amount of electric power
to be supplied to the heating element based on the temperature of the heating element
and supplying the determined fist amount of electric power to the heating element.
[0015] Preferably, the method further comprises measuring temperature of the fixing belt,
wherein
the first amount of electric power is determined further based on the temperature
of the fixing belt.
[0016] Preferably, the first amount of electric power is a first predetermined amount of
electric power when the temperature of the fixing belt is lower than a first predetermined
value and the temperature of the heating element is lower than a second predetermined
value.
[0017] Preferably, the first amount of electric power is a second predetermined amount of
electric power when the temperature of the fixing belt is lower than the first predetermined
value and the temperature of the heating element is equal to or higher than the second
predetermined value but lower than a third predetermined value, and
the second predetermined amount of electric power is less than the first predetermined
amount of electric power.
[0018] Preferably, the first amount of electric power is a third predetermined amount of
electric power either when the temperature of the fixing belt is equal to or higher
than the first threshold value or when the temperature of the fixing belt is lower
than the first threshold value and the temperature of the heating element is equal
to or greater than the third threshold value, and
the third predetermined amount of electric power is less than the second predetermined
amount of electric power.
[0019] Preferably, the method further comprises measuring temperature outside of the fixing
belt; and correcting the determined first amount of electric power based on the measured
temperature outside of the fixing belt.
[0020] Preferably, the temperature outside of the fixing belt is measured by a thermometer
attached to a housing of the image forming apparatus.
[0021] Preferably, the temperature of the fixing belt is measured by a thermometer arranged
inside the fixing belt.
[0022] Preferably, the second thermometer contacts the surface of the fixing belt to which
the lubricant is applied.
[0023] Preferably, the method further comprises determining, based on the temperature of
the fixing belt, a second amount of electric power to be supplied to the heating element
when the processing roller is rotating.
[0024] Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus and an image forming method according to
an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.
(First Embodiment)
[0025] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus according
to a first embodiment. The image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment
is, for example, a multi-functional peripheral. The image forming apparatus 100 includes
a housing 10, a display 1, a scanner unit 2, an image forming unit 3, a sheet supply
unit 4, a forcing unit 5, a paper discharge tray 7, a reversing unit 9, a control
panel 8, and a controller 6. The image forming unit 3 may be an apparatus for fixing
a toner image or an ink jet type apparatus. The image forming apparatus 100 forms
an image on a sheet S by using a developer such as toner or the like. The sheet may
be, for example, printing paper or label paper. The sheet may be any material on which
an image can be formed by the image forming apparatus 100.
[0026] The housing 10 forms an outer shape of image forming apparatus 100. The display 1
is an image display device such as a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro
Luminescence) display, or the like. The display 1 displays various information relating
to the image forming apparatus 100. The scanner unit 2 reads the image information
from a sheet as the light and dark of the light. The scanner unit 2 records the image
information that has been read. The scanner unit 2 outputs the generated image information
to the image forming unit 3. The recorded image information may be transmitted to
another information processing apparatus via a network.
[0027] The image forming unit 3 forms an output image (hereinafter referred to as a toner
image) by a recording agent such as toner on the basis of the image information received
from the scanner unit 2 or another external device. The image forming unit 3 transfers
the toner image onto the surface of the sheet S. The image forming unit 3 heats and
pressurizes the toner image on the surface of the sheet S to fix the toner image to
the sheet S. The details of the image forming unit 3 will be described later. The
sheet S may be supplied by the sheet supply unit 4, or may be supplied manually by
a user.
[0028] The sheet supply unit 4 supplies the sheet S to the conveying unit 5 one by one in
accordance with the timing at which the image forming unit 3 forms the toner image
1. The sheet supply unit 4 includes a sheet storage unit 20 and a pickup roller 21.
The sheet storage unit 20 accommodates a sheet S of a predetermined size and type.
The pickup roller 21 takes out the sheets S one by one from the sheet storage unit
20. The pickup roller 21 supplies the taken-out sheet S to the conveying unit 5.
[0029] The conveying unit 5 conveys the sheet S supplied from the sheet supply unit 4 to
the image forming unit 3. The conveying unit 5 includes a conveying roller 23 and
a registration roller 24. The conveying roller 23 conveys the sheet S supplied from
the pickup roller 21 to the registration roller 24. The conveying roller 23 presses
the leading end of the sheet S in the conveying direction against the nip N of the
registration roller 24. The registration roller 24 bends the sheet S in the nip N
to thereby adjust the position of the leading edge of the sheet S in the conveying
direction. The registration roller 24 conveys the sheet S in accordance with the timing
at which the image forming unit 3 transfers the toner image to the sheet S.
[0030] The details of the image forming unit 3 will be described below. The image forming
unit 3 includes a plurality of image forming units 25, a laser scanning unit 26, an
intermediate transfer belt 27, a transfer unit 28, and a fixing unit (or a heating
device) 30. Each of the image forming units 25 include a photosensitive drum 25d.
Each of the image forming units 25 forms a toner image corresponding to the image
information from the scanner unit 2 or from an external device on the photosensitive
drum 25d. The plurality of image forming units include image forming units 25Y, 25M,
25C and 25K, which form toner images of yellow, magenta, cyan and black toners, respectively.
[0031] A charger, a developing device, and the like are disposed around the photosensitive
drum 25d of each of the image forming units 25Y, 25M, 25C, and 25K. The charging device
charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 25d. The developing device of each
of the image forming units 25Y, 25M, 25C, and 25K contains developer containing one
of yellow, magenta, cyan and black toners. The developing device develops the electrostatic
latent image on the photosensitive drum 25d. As a result, a toner image formed by
the toner of each color is formed on the corresponding photosensitive drum 25d.
[0032] The laser scanning unit 26 scans the charged photosensitive drum 25d with the laser
beam L to expose the photosensitive drum 25d. The laser scanning unit 26 exposes the
photosensitive drums 25d of the image forming units 25Y, 25M, 25C and 25K of the respective
colors with the respective laser beams LY, LM, LC and LK. In this manner, the laser
scanning unit 26 forms an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 25d.
[0033] The toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 25d is primarily transferred
onto the intermediate transfer belt 27. The transfer portion 28 transfers the toner
image primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 27 onto the surface
of the sheet S at the secondarily transfer position. The fixing unit 30 heats and
pressurizes the toner image transferred to the sheet S to fix the toner image on the
sheet S. The details of the fixing unit 30 will be described later.
[0034] The reversing unit 9 inverts the sheet S to form an image on the back surface of
the sheet S. The reversing unit 9 reverses the sheet S discharged from the fixing
unit 30 by switch-back. The reversing unit 9 conveys the reversed sheet S toward the
registration roller 24. The sheet discharge tray 7 mounts the sheet S that has been
ejected with an image formed thereon. The control panel 8 comprises a plurality of
buttons. The control panel 8 accepts the operation of the user. The control panel
8 outputs a signal corresponding to the operation performed by the user to the controller
6 of the image forming apparatus 100. The display 1 and control panel 8 may be integrated
into a single touch panel. The controller 6 controls each of the components installed
in the image forming apparatus 100. The details of the controller 6 will be described
later.
[0035] FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of the image forming apparatus 100 according
to the first embodiment. The image forming apparatus 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing
Unit) 91, a memory 92, and an auxiliary storage device 93 connected to each other
via a bus, and executes programs. As described above, the image forming apparatus
100 includes the scanner unit 2, the image forming unit 3, the sheet supply unit 4,
the forcing unit 5, the reversing unit 9, the control panel 8, and a communication
unit 90.
[0036] The CPU 91 is a component of the controller 6 and executes programs stored in the
memory 92 and the auxiliary storage device 93 to control the operation of each component
of the image forming apparatus 100. The auxiliary storage device 93 is a storage device
such as a magnetic hard disk device or a semiconductor storage device. The auxiliary
storage device 93 stores various kinds of information related to the image forming
apparatus 100. The communication unit 90 includes a communication interface for communicating
with an external device.
[0037] The fixing unit 30 will be described in detail. FIG. 3 is a front sectional view
of the fixing unit 30 according to the first embodiment. The fixing unit 30 includes
a pressing roller 30p and a film unit 30h.
[0038] The pressing roller 30p forms a nip N with the film unit 30h. The pressing roller
30p pressurizes the toner image on the sheet S that has entered into the nip N. The
pressing roller 30p rotates and conveys the sheet S. The pressing roller 30p includes
a core metal 32, an elastic layer 33, and a release layer (not shown). In this way,
the pressing roller 30p can press and drive the surface of a cylindrical film 35 of
the film unit 30h.
[0039] The core metal 32 is formed in a cylindrical shape by a metal material such as stainless
steel or the like. Both end portions in the axial direction of the core metal 32 are
supported to be rotatable. The core metal 32 is driven to rotate by a motor (not shown).
The core metal 32 comes into contact with a cam member (not shown). The cam member
is rotated to move the core metal 32 toward and away from the film unit 30h.
[0040] The elastic layer 33 is formed of an elastic material such as silicone rubber. The
elastic layer 33 is formed to have a constant thickness on the outer peripheral surface
of the core metal 32. The release layer (not shown) is formed of a resin material
such as PFA (tetrafluoroethylene perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether copolymer). The release
layer is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the elastic layer 33. It is preferable
that the hardness of the outer peripheral surface of the pressing roller 30p is 40°-70°
under a load of 9.8N by an ASKER-C hardness meter. As a result, the area of the nip
N and the durability of the pressing roller 30p are secured.
[0041] The pressing roller 30p can be moved toward and away from the film unit 30h by the
rotation of the cam member. When the pressing roller 30p is brought close to the film
unit 30h and pressed by a pressing spring, a nip N is formed. On the other hand, when
the sheet S is jammed in the fixing unit 30, the sheet S can be removed by separating
the pressing roller 30p from the film unit 30h. In addition, in a state in which the
cylindrical film 35 is stopped to rotate, such as in a sleep state, the pressing roller
30p is moved away from the film unit 30h, thereby preventing plastic deformation of
the cylindrical film 35.
[0042] The pressing roller 30p is rotated by a motor. When the pressing roller 30p rotates
in a state where the nip N is formed, the cylindrical film 35 of the film unit 30h
is driven to rotate. The pressing roller 30p conveys the sheet S in the conveying
direction W by rotating the sheet S in a state in which the sheet S is placed in the
nip N.
[0043] The film unit 30h heats the toner image of the sheet S that has entered the nip N.
The film unit 30h includes the cylindrical film 35, a heater unit 40 (more generally
referred to herein as a heater), a heat conductor 49, a support member 36, a stay
38, a heater thermometer 62, a thermostat 68, and a film thermometer 64.
[0044] The cylindrical film 35 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The cylindrical film 35
includes a base layer, an elastic layer, and a release layer in this order from the
inner peripheral side. The base layer is formed in a cylindrical shape by a material
such as nickel (Ni) or the like. The elastic layer is laminated and arranged on the
outer peripheral surface of the base layer. The elastic layer is formed of an elastic
material such as silicone rubber. The release layer is laminated and arranged on the
outer peripheral surface of the elastic layer. The release layer is formed of a material
such as a PFA resin.
[0045] FIG. 4 is a front sectional view of the heater unit 40 taken along the line IV-IV
in FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the heater unit 40 (i.e., viewed from the +z
direction). The heater unit 40 includes a substrate 41, a heating element set 45,
and a ring set 55.
[0046] The substrate 41 is made of a metal material such as stainless steel, a ceramic material
such as aluminum nitride, or the like. The substrate 41 is formed in a long rectangular
plate shape. The substrate 41 is disposed radially inward of the cylindrical film
35. In the substrate 41, the longitudinal direction corresponds to the axial direction
of the cylindrical film 35.
[0047] In the present application, the x direction, the y direction, and the z direction
are defined as follows. The y direction is the longitudinal direction of the substrate
41. The y direction is parallel to the width direction of cylindrical film 35. As
will be described later, the +y direction is a direction from the central heating
element 45a toward the first end heating element 45b1. The x direction is the short
direction of substrate 41, and the +x direction is the transport direction (i.e.,
downstream side) of the sheet S. The z direction is the normal direction of the substrate
41, and the +z direction is the direction in which the heating element set 45 is arranged
with respect to the substrate 41. An insulating layer 43 is formed on the surface
of the substrate 41 in the +z direction by a glass material or the like.
[0048] The heating element set 45 is arranged on the substrate 41. The heating element set
45 is formed on the surface of the insulating layer 43 in the +z direction, as shown
in FIG. 4. The heating element set 45 is formed of a silver-palladium alloy or the
like. The heating element set 45 has a rectangular shape in which the y direction
is the longitudinal direction and the x direction is the short direction.
[0049] As shown in FIG. 5, the heating element set 45 includes a first end heating element
45b1, a central heating element 45a, and a second end heating element 45b2 arranged
side by side in the y direction. The central heating element 45a is disposed in the
central portion of the heating element set 45 in the y direction. The central heating
element 45a may be formed by combining a plurality of small heating elements arranged
side by side in the y direction. The first end heating element 45b1 is located on
the +y direction side of the central heating element 45a, and is positioned at the
end of the heating element set 45 in the +y direction. The second end heating element
45b2 is located in the -y direction of the central heating element 45a and at the
end of heating element set 45 in the -y direction. The boundary line between the central
heating element 45a and the first end heating element 45b1 may be arranged parallel
to the x direction, or may be arranged to intersect the x direction. The same applies
to the boundary line between the central heating element 45a and the second end heating
element 45b2.
[0050] The heating element set 45 generates heat by energization. The electrical resistance
value of the central heating element 45a is smaller than the electrical resistance
value of the first end heating element 45b1 and the second end heating element 45b2.
[0051] The sheet S having a small width in the y direction passes through the center portion
in the y direction of the fixing unit 30. In this case, the controller 6 causes only
the central heating element 45a to generate heat. On the other hand, in the case of
the sheet S having a large width in the y direction, the controller 6 generates heat
in the entirety of the heating element set 45. Therefore, the central heating element
45a and the first end heating element 45b1 and the second end heating element 45b2
are controlled in heat generation independently of each other. Also, the heat generation
is controlled in the first end heating element 45b1 and the second end heating element
45b2.
[0052] The wiring set 55 is made of a metal material such as silver. The wiring set 55 includes
a central contact 52a, a central portion wiring 53a, an end contact 52b, a first end
wiring 53b1, a second end wiring 53b2, a common contact 58, and a common ring 57.
[0053] The central contact 52a is arranged on the -y direction side of the heating element
set 45. The central portion wiring 53a is arranged on the +x direction side of the
heating element set 45. The central portion wiring 53a connects the side in the +x
direction of the central heating element 45a and the center portion contact 52a.
[0054] The end contact 52b is arranged on the -y direction side of the center contact 52a.
The first end wiring 53b1 extends along the side in the +x direction of the heating
element set 45 and on the +x direction side of the central portion wiring 53a. The
first end wiring 53b1 connects the end of the first end heating element 45b1 in the
+x direction and the end of the end contact 52b in the +x direction. The second end
wiring 53b2 extends along the side in the +x direction of the heating element set
45 and on the -x direction side of the central portion wiring 53a. The second end
wiring 53b2 connects the end of the second end heating element 45b2 in the +x direction
and the end of the end contact 52b in the -x direction.
[0055] The common contact 58 is arranged at the end in the +y direction of the heating element
set 45. The common wiring 57 extends along the side in the -x direction of the heating
element set 45. The common ring 57 connects the end sides in the -x direction of the
central heating element 45a, the first end heating element 45b1, and the second end
heating element 45b2, and the common contact 58.
[0056] In this manner, the second end wiring 53b2, the center portion wiring 53a and the
first end portion wiring 53b1 extend along the side in the +x direction of the heating
element set 45. In contrast, only the common wiring 57 extends along the side in the
-x direction of the heating element set 45. Therefore, the center 45c in the x direction
of the heating element set 45 is arranged on the -x direction side with respect to
the center 41c in the x direction of the substrate 41.
[0057] As shown in FIG. 3, a straight line CL connecting the center pc of the pressing roller
30p and the center hc of the film unit 30h is defined. The center 41c in the x direction
of the substrate 41 is arranged in the +x direction from the straight line CL. Thus,
the substrate 41 extends in the +x direction of the nip N, so that the sheet S that
has passed through the nip N is easily peeled off from the film unit 30h.
[0058] The center 45c of the heating element set 45 in the x direction is disposed on the
straight line CL. The heating element set 45 is contained entirely within the region
of the nip N and is located at the center of the nip N. Thus, the heat distribution
of the nip N becomes uniform, and the sheet S passing through the nip N is uniformly
heated.
[0059] As shown in FIG. 4, a heating element set 45 and a ring set 55 are formed on the
surface of the insulating layer 43 in the +z direction. A protective layer 46 is formed
of a glass material or the like so as to cover the heating element set 45 and the
ring set 55. The protective layer 46 improves the sliding property between the heater
unit 40 and the cylindrical film 35.
[0060] As shown in FIG. 3, the heater unit 40 is disposed inside the cylindrical film 35.
A lubricant (not shown) is applied to the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical
film 35. The heater unit 40 is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the
cylindrical film 35 through the lubricant. When the heater unit 40 generates heat,
the viscosity of the lubricant decreases. Thus, the sliding property between the heater
unit 40 and the cylindrical film 35 is secured.
[0061] In this manner, the cylindrical film 35 is a band-shape thin film which slides on
the surface of the heater unit 40 while making contact with the heater unit 40 on
one side.
[0062] The heat conductor 49 is formed of a metal material having a high thermal conductivity,
such as copper. The outer shape of the heat conductor 49 is equivalent to the outer
shape of the substrate 41 of the heater unit 40. The heat conductor 49 is disposed
in contact with the surface of the heater unit 40 in the -z direction.
[0063] The support member 36 is made of a resin material such as a liquid crystal polymer.
The support member 36 is disposed so as to cover the side in the -z direction of the
heater unit 40 and the both sides in the x direction of the heater unit 40. The support
member 36 supports the heater unit 40 via a heat conductor 49. Rounded chamfering
is formed at both end portions in the x direction of the support member 36. The support
member 36 supports the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical film 35 at both
end portions in the x direction of the heater unit 40.
[0064] When the sheet S passing through the fixing unit 30 is heated, a temperature distribution
is generated in the heater unit 40 in accordance with the size of the sheet S. When
the heater unit 40 becomes locally high temperature, there is a possibility that the
heat resistance temperature of the support member 36 made of a resin material exceeds
the heat resistance temperature. The heat conductor 49 averages the temperature distribution
of the heater unit 40. As a result, heat resistance of the support member 36 is ensured.
[0065] The stay 38 is formed of a steel sheet material or the like. A cross section perpendicular
to the y direction of the stay 38 is formed in a U shape. The stay 38 is mounted on
the surface in the -z direction of the support member 36 so as to block the opening
of the U shape by the support member 36. The stay 38 extends in the y direction. Both
ends of the stay 38 in the y direction are fixed to the housing of the image forming
apparatus 100. As a result, the film unit 30h is supported by the image forming apparatus
100. The stay 38 improves the bending rigidity of the film unit 30h. A flange (not
shown) for restricting the movement of the cylindrical film 35 in the y direction
is mounted in the vicinity of both end portions in the y direction of the stay 38.
[0066] The heater thermometer 62 is arranged in the -z direction of the heater unit 40 with
the heat conductor 49 interposed therebetween. For example, the heater thermometer
62 is mounted on and supported by the surface in the -z direction of the support member
36. The temperature sensitive element of the heater thermometer 62 contacts the heat
conductor 49 through a hole passing through the support member 36 in the z direction.
The heater thermometer 62 measures the temperature of the heater unit 40 via the heat
conductor 49.
[0067] The thermostat 68 is arranged similarly to the heater thermometer 62. The thermostat
68 is incorporated into an electrical circuit, which will be described later. When
the temperature of the heater unit 40 detected through the heat conductor 49 exceeds
a predetermined temperature, the thermostat 68 cuts off the power supply to the heating
element set 45.
[0068] FIG. 6 is a top view of the heater thermometer and thermostat (i.e., viewed from
the -z direction). In FIG. 6, the description of the supporting member 36 is omitted.
The following description of the arrangement of the heater thermometer, thermostat
and film thermometer is used to describe the arrangement of the respective temperature
sensitive elements.
[0069] A plurality of heater thermometers 62 (62a, 62b) are arranged in the heating element
set 45 side by side in the y direction. The plurality of heater thermometers 62 are
disposed at the center of the heating element set 45 in the x direction. That is,
when viewed from the z direction, the plurality of heater thermometers 62 and the
heating element set 45 overlap at least partially. The plurality of thermostats 68
(68a, 68b) are also arranged in the same manner as the plurality of heater thermometers
62 described above.
[0070] The plurality of heater thermometers 62 includes a center heater thermometer 62a
and an end heater thermometer 62b.
[0071] The center heater thermometer 62a measures the temperature of the central heating
element 45a. The center heater thermometer 62a is positioned within the central heating
element 45a. That is, when viewed from the z direction, the center heater thermometer
62a and the central heating element 45a overlap each other.
[0072] The end heater thermometer 62b measures the temperature of the second end heating
element 45b2. As described above, the first end heating element 45b1 and the second
end heating element 45b2 are similarly controlled in heat generation. Therefore, the
temperature of the first end heating element 45b1 and the temperature of the second
end heating element 45b2 are equal to each other. The end heater thermometer 62b is
located within a range of second end heating element 45b2. That is, the end heater
thermometer 62b and the second end heating element 45b2 overlap each other when viewed
from the direction z.
[0073] The plurality of thermostats 68 include a central thermostat 68a and an end thermostat
68b.
[0074] The central thermostat 68a shuts off energization to the heating element set 45 when
the temperature of the central heating element 45a exceeds a predetermined temperature.
The central thermostat 68a is located within the central heating element 45a. That
is, when viewed from the z direction, the central thermostat 68a and the central heating
element 45a overlap each other.
[0075] The end thermostat 68b cuts off energization to the heating element set 45 when the
temperature of the first end heating element 45b1 exceeds a predetermined temperature.
As described above, the first end heating element 45b 1 and the second end heating
element 45b2 are similarly controlled in heat generation. Therefore, the temperature
of the first end heating element 45b1 and the temperature of the second end heating
element 45b2 are equal to each other. The end thermostat 68b is located within the
first end heating element 45b1. That is, when viewed from the z direction, the end
thermostat 68b and the first end heating element 45b1 overlap each other.
[0076] As described above, the center heater thermometer 62a and the central thermostat
68a are disposed within the central heating element 45a so as to measure the temperature
of central heating element 45a. When the temperature of the central heating element
45a exceeds the predetermined temperature, the power supply to the heating element
set 45 is interrupted. In addition, the end heater thermometer 62b and the end thermostat
68b are disposed within the first end heating element 45b1 and the second end heating
element 45b2. As a result, the temperature of the first end heating element 45b1 and
the second end heating element 45b2 is measured. When the temperature of the first
end heating element 45b1 and the second end heating element 45b2 exceeds the predetermined
temperature, the power supply to the heating element set 45 is interrupted.
[0077] The plurality of heaters 62 and the plurality of thermostats 68 are alternately arranged
along the y direction. As described above, the first end heating element 45b1 is disposed
on the +y direction side of the central heating element 45a. Within the first end
heating element 45b1, the end thermostat 68b is located. The center heater thermometer
62a is arranged on the +y direction side with respect to the center in the y direction
of the central heating element 45a. The central thermostat 68a is arranged on the
-y direction side with respect to the center of the central heating element 45a. As
described above, the second end heating element 45b2 is disposed on the -y direction
side of the central heating element 45a. Within the second end heating element 45b2,
the end heater thermometer 62b is located. Thus, the end thermostat 68b, the center
heater thermometer 62a, the central thermostat 68a, and the end heater thermometer
62b are arranged in this order in the -y direction.
[0078] Generally, the thermostat 68 utilizes a bimetal curved deformation that is accompanied
by a temperature change to connect and disconnect electrical circuits. The thermostat
is formed to be elongated in conformity to the shape of the bimetal. Terminals extend
outward from both end portions in the longitudinal direction of the thermostat 68.
Each terminal is connected to a connector of external wiring. Therefore, it is necessary
to secure a space outside the thermostat 68 in the longitudinal direction. Since there
is no space at both ends in the x direction of the fixing unit 30, the longitudinal
direction of the thermostat 68 is arranged along the y direction. In this case, when
a plurality of thermostats 68 are arranged adjacent to each other in the y direction,
it becomes difficult to secure a connection space of the external wiring.
[0079] As described above, the plurality of heaters 62 and the plurality of thermostats
68 are alternately arranged along the y direction. Thus, a heater thermometer 62 is
disposed adjacent to each thermostat 68 in the y direction. Therefore, it is possible
to secure a space for connecting external wiring to the thermostat 68. In addition,
the degree of freedom in the layout in the y direction of the thermostat 68 and the
heater thermometer 62 is increased. Thereby, the thermostat 68 and the heater thermometer
62 are arranged at the optimum position to control the temperature of the fixing unit
30. Further, it is easy to separate the alternating current wiring connected to the
plurality of thermostats 68 from the direct current wiring connected to the plurality
of heater thermometers 62. As a result, noise in the electric circuit is suppressed.
[0080] As shown in FIG. 3, the film thermometer 64 is disposed inside the cylindrical film
35 and on the +x direction side of the heater unit 40. The film thermometer 64 contacts
the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical film 35 to measure the temperature
of the cylindrical film 35.
[0081] FIG. 7 is an electric circuit diagram of the heating unit 30 according to the first
embodiment. In FIG. 7, the bottom view of the heater unit 40 shown in FIG. 5 is located
at the top of Fig. 7, and the plan view of the substrate 41 shown in FIG. 6 is arranged
at the bottom of Fig. 7. FIG. 7 also shows a plurality of film thermometers 64 along
with a cross section of the cylindrical film 35.
[0082] The plurality of film thermometers 64 includes a central film thermometer 64a and
an end film thermometer 64b.
[0083] The central film thermometer 64a comes into contact with the center portion of the
cylindrical film 35 in the y direction. The central film thermometer 64a contacts
the cylindrical film 35 within the range in the y direction of the central heating
element 45a. The central film thermometer 64a measures the temperature of the central
portion in the y direction of the cylindrical film 35.
[0084] The end film thermometer 64b contacts the end of cylindrical film 35 in the -y direction.
The end film thermometer 64b contacts the cylindrical film 35 within the range in
the y-direction of the second end heating element 45b2. The end film thermometer 64b
measures the temperature at the end in the -y direction of the cylindrical film 35.
As described above, the first end heating element 45b1 and the second end heating
element 45b2 are similarly controlled in heat generation. Therefore, the temperature
at the end portion in the -y direction of the cylindrical film 35 and the temperature
at the end portion in the +y direction are identical.
[0085] A power supply 95 is electrically connected to the center contact point 52a via a
central triac 96a. The power supply 95 is electrically connected to the end contact
52b via an end triac 96b. The controller 6 controls ON/OFF of the central triac 96a
and the end triac 96b independently of each other. When the controller 6 turns on
the central triac 96a, the power is supplied from the power supply 95 to the central
heating element 45a. As a result, the central heating element 45a generates heat.
When the controller 6 turns on the end triac 96b, the power is supplied from the power
supply 95 to the first end heating element 45b1 and the second end heating element
45b2. Thus, the first end heating element 45b1 and the second end heating element
45b2 generate heat. As described above, the central heating element 45a and the first
end heating element 45b1 and the second end heating element 45b2 are independently
controlled in heat generation. The central heating element 45a, the first end heating
element 45b1 and the second end heating element 45b2 are connected in parallel with
respect to the power supply 95.
[0086] The power supply 95 is electrically connected to the common contact 58 via the central
thermostat 68a and the end thermostat 68b. The central thermostat 68a and the end
thermostat 68b are connected in series. When the temperature of the central heating
element 45a rises abnormally, the detected temperature of the central thermostat 68a
exceeds the predetermined temperature. At this time, the central thermostat 68a interrupts
the power supply from the power supply 95 to the entire heating element set 45.
[0087] When the temperature of the first end heating element 45b1 rises abnormally, the
detected temperature of the end thermostat 68b exceeds a predetermined temperature.
At this time, the end thermostat 68b blocks the power supply from the power supply
95 to the heating element set 45. As described above, the first end heating element
45b1 and the second end heating element 45b2 are similarly controlled in heat generation.
Therefore, when the temperature of the second end heating element 45b2 rises abnormally,
the temperature of the first end heating element 45b1 also increases. Therefore, even
when the temperature of the second end heating element 45b2 rises abnormally, the
end thermostat 68b shuts off power supply from the power supply 95 to the entire heating
element set 45.
[0088] The controller 6 measures the temperature of the central heating element 62a by the
center heater thermometer 45a. The controller 6 measures the temperature of the second
end heating element 45b2 by the end heater thermometer 62b. The temperature of the
second end heating element 45b2 is equal to the temperature of the first end heating
element 45b1. The controller 6 measures the temperature of the heating element set
45 by the heater thermometer 62 at the time of starting the fixing unit 30. When the
temperature of at least one of the central heating element 45a and the second end
heating element 45b2 is lower than a predetermined temperature, the controller 6 generates
heat for a short period of time in the heating element set 45. Thereafter, the controller
6 starts the rotation of the pressing roller 30p. The heat generated by the heating
element set 45 lowers the viscosity of the lubricant applied to the inner peripheral
surface of the cylindrical film 35. Thus, the sliding property between the heater
unit 40 and the cylindrical film 35 at the start of the rotation of the pressing roller
30p is ensured.
[0089] The controller 6 measures the temperature of the central portion of the cylindrical
film 35 in the y direction by using the central film thermometer 64a. The controller
6 measures the temperature of the end portion of the cylindrical film 35 in the -y
direction by the end film thermometer 64b. The temperature of the end of the cylindrical
film 35 in the -y direction is equal to the temperature of the end of the cylindrical
film 35 in the +y direction. The controller 6 measures the temperature of the center
portion and the end portion in the y direction of the cylindrical film 35 during the
operation of the fixing unit 30. The controller 6 performs phase control or wave number
control on the power supplied to the heating element set 45 by the central triac 96a
and the end triac 96b. The controller 6 controls the energization to the central heating
element 45a based on the temperature measurement result at the center portion in the
y direction of the cylindrical film 35. The controller 6 controls the energization
of the first end heating element 45b1 and the second end heating element 45b2 based
on the temperature measurement result at the end portion in the y direction of the
cylindrical film 35.
[0090] When a pre-processing execution condition is satisfied during a pre-processing period,
the controller 6 determines a method of energization to the heating element set 45
in the pre-processing period based on the temperature measured by the heater thermometer
62 and the film thermometer 64. Hereinafter, the method in which the heating element
set 45 is energized in the pre-processing period is referred to as the pre-processing
energization method. The energization of the heating element set 45 means that the
central heating element 45a, the first end heating element 45b1, and the second end
heating element 45b2 are energized. The pre-processing period is a period from the
time when a pre-processing start condition is satisfied to the time when a pre-processing
end condition is satisfied. The pre-processing start condition may be any condition,
for example, a condition that the image forming apparatus 100 has acquired image information.
The preprocessing start condition may be, for example, a condition that an instruction
to start the pre-processing is input by the user via the control panel 8 or the communication
unit 90. The pre-processing end condition may be any condition, for example, a condition
in which all of the temperatures measured by the heater thermometers 62 are equal
to or more than a predetermined temperature (hereinafter referred to as a "first pre-processing
end condition"). That is, it may be a condition that the lowest temperature among
the temperatures measured by a plurality of heaters 62 is equal to or higher than
a predetermined temperature. The pre-processing end condition may be, for example,
a condition in which a predetermined time elapses after the energization by the pre-processing
energization method is started. The pre-processing end condition may be, for example,
a condition that the energization of the controller 6 is terminated by the pre-processing
energization method.
[0091] The controller 6 controls the central triac 96a and the end triac 96b so that the
heating element set 45 is energized by the determined pre-processing energization
method (hereinafter called "pre-processing").
[0092] The pre-processing execution condition may be any condition as long as it includes
a condition that at least one of a pre-processing heater condition and a pre-processing
film condition is satisfied. For example, the pre-processing heater condition is a
condition that at least one of the temperatures measured by a plurality of heater
thermometer 62 is lower than a first heater temperature (hereinafter referred to as
"the first pre-processing heater condition"). For example, the pre-processing film
condition is a condition that at least one of the temperatures measured by the plurality
of film thermometers 64 is lower than the film temperature (hereinafter, referred
to as "the first film condition"). The first heater temperature may be, for example,
40 °C. The film temperature may be, for example, 40 °C.
[0093] In order to simplify the description, it is assumed that the pre-processing end condition
is a condition that the energization by the pre-processing energization method is
terminated.
[0094] After the end of the pre-processing period, the controller 6 rotates the pressing
roller 30p. After the end of the pre-processing period, the controller 6 controls
the energization of the heating element set 45 based on the temperature measured by
the heater thermometer 62 and the film thermometer 64. Hereinafter, the energization
method of the heating element set 45 controlled by the controller 6 after the end
of the pre-processing period is referred to as "the post-processing energization method",
and the process of executing the post-processing energization method is referred to
as "the post-processing. Hereinafter, a period from the end of the pre-processing
period to the end of the execution of the post-processing is referred to as a post-processing
period. In the post-processing, the controller 6 controls the central triac 96a and
the end triac 96b on the basis of the temperature measured by the film thermometer
64. The controller 6 controls the central triac 96a and the end triac 96b so that
the temperature measured by the film thermometer 64 is maintained at a predetermined
temperature.
[0095] In the following description of FIGS. 8 and 9, it is assumed that the pre-processing
execution condition is satisfied under the condition that at least one of the first
pre-processing heater condition and the first pre-processing film condition is satisfied
for the sake of simplicity.
[0096] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the controller 6 during a period
from the start of the pre-processing period to the execution of the post-processing
in the first embodiment.
[0097] The controller 6 determines whether or not the pre-processing period has been started
(ACT 101). Specifically, the controller 6 determines whether or not the pre-processing
start condition is satisfied. When the pre-processing period is started (ACT 101,
YES), the controller 6 determines whether or not to energize the heating element set
45 in the pre-processing period (ACT 102). Specifically, the controller 6 determines
whether or not the pre-processing execution condition is satisfied.
[0098] In ACT 102 when the pre-processing execution condition is satisfied (ACT 102, YES),
the controller 6 determines the pre-processing energization method based on the temperature
measured by the heater thermometer 62 and the film thermometer 64 (ACT 103).
[0099] Next to ACT 103, the controller 6 controls the central triac 96a and the end triac
96b so that the current is supplied to the heating element set 45 through the pre-processing
energization method determined in ACT 103 (ACT 104).
[0100] The controller 6 determines whether or not the pre-processing period has been completed
(ACT 105). More specifically, the controller 6 determines whether or not the pre-processing
end condition is satisfied. When the pre-processing end condition is satisfied (ACT
105, YES), the controller 6 starts the execution of the post-processing (ACT 106).
On the other hand, in the process of ACT 105, when the preprocessing end condition
is not satisfied (ACT 105, NO), the process returns to ACT 105.
[0101] On the other hand, in the ACT 102, when the preprocessing execution condition is
not satisfied (ACT 102, NO), the controller 6 executes the process of ACT 106.
[0102] On the other hand, in the process of ACT 101, when the preprocessing period is not
started (ACT 101, NO), the process returns to ACT 101.
[0103] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing processing for determining the pre-processing energization
method by the controller 6 according to the first embodiment.
[0104] The controller 6 determines whether or not at least one of the temperatures measured
by the film thermometer 64 is lower than the film temperature (ACT 201). When at least
one of the temperatures measured by the film thermometer 64 is lower than the film
temperature (ACT 201, YES), the controller 6 determines whether or not at least one
of the temperatures measured by the heater thermometer 62 is lower than a second heater
temperature (ACT 202). The second heater temperature is lower than the first heater
temperature. The second heater temperature may be, for example, 20 °C. when the first
heater temperature is 40 °C. When at least one of the temperatures measured by the
heater thermometer 62 is lower than the second heater temperature (ACT 202, YES),
the controller 6 determines, as the pre-processing energization method, a first energization
method (ACT 203). The first energization method is an energization method in which
the duty ratio for energization is a first duty ratio and the period in which the
current is supplied is a first period. For example, the first duty ratio is 70% and
the first period is 0.5 ms.
[0105] On the other hand, when all of the temperatures measured by the heater thermometer
62 are equal to or higher than the second heater temperature (ACT 202, NO), the controller
6 determines whether or not all of the temperatures measured by the heater thermometer
62 are within a first heater temperature range (ACT 204). The first heater temperature
range is in a range of a temperature equal to or higher than the second heater temperature
and lower than a third heater temperature.
[0106] When all of the temperatures measured by the heater thermometer 62 are within the
first heater temperature range (ACT 204, YES), the controller 6 determines, as the
pre-processing energization method, a second energization method (ACT 205). The second
energization method is an energization method in which the duty ratio is a second
duty ratio and the period in which the current is supplied is a second period. The
electric power supplied to the heating element set 45 by the second energization method
during the pre-processing period is less than the electric power supplied to the heating
element set 45 by the first energization method during the pre-processing period.
For example, the power supplied to the heating element set 45 by the second energization
method during the pre-processing period may be 5/7 of the power supplied to the heating
element set 45 by the first energization method during the pre-processing period.
When the first duty ratio is 70% and the first time period is 0.5 ms, for example,
the second duty ratio is 50%, and the second period is 0.5 ms.
[0107] On the other hand, when at least one of the temperatures measured by the heater thermometer
62 is not within the first heater temperature range (ACT 204, NO), the controller
6 determines, as the pre-processing energization method, a third energization method
(ACT 206). The third energization method is an energization method in which the duty
ratio is a third duty ratio and the period in which the current is supplied is a third
period. The electric power supplied to the heating element set 45 by the third energization
method during the pre-processing period is less than the electric power supplied to
the heating element set 45 by the second energization method during the pre-processing
period. For example, the power supplied to the heating element set 45 by the third
energization method during the pre-processing period is 3/5 of the power supplied
to the heating element set 45 by the second energization method during the pre-processing
period. When the first duty ratio is 70% and the first time period is 0.5 ms, for
example, the third duty ratio is 30%, and the third period is 0.5 ms.
[0108] On the other hand, in ACT 201, when all of the temperatures measured by the film
thermometer 64 are equal to or higher than the film temperature (ACT 201, NO), the
controller 6 determines, as the pre-processing energization method, the third energization
method (ACT 206).
[0109] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a relationship between torque and temperature of the
heating element set 45 in the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment.
The horizontal axis in FIG. 10 represents the temperature of heating element set 45.
The vertical axis in FIG. 10 represents torque. FIG. 10 shows that a higher temperature
of the heating element set 45 results in lower torque.
[0110] The image forming apparatus 100 of the first embodiment configured as described above
includes the controller 6 for controlling the central triac 96a and the end triac
96b to energize the heating element set 45 before the pressing roller 30p is rotated
according to the temperature measured by the heater thermometer 62, thereby reducing
the viscosity of the lubricant applied to the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical
film 35 before the rotation. Since the image forming apparatus 100 of the first embodiment
configured as described above can suppress the occurrence of torque increase, the
film can be properly driven regardless of the use state.
(Second Embodiment)
[0111] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus
100a according to the second embodiment. The image forming apparatus 100a is different
from the image forming apparatus 100 in that the controller 6 of the image forming
apparatus 100 is replaced by a controller 6a. In the following description, for the
sake of simplicity, the same functions as those of the image forming apparatus 100
are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1 to FIG. 7, and the description
thereof will not be repeated.
[0112] The controller 6a is different from the controller 6 in that the central triac 96a
and the end triac 96b are controlled so as to energize the heating element set 45
during the pre-processing period regardless of the temperatures measured by the heater
thermometer 62 and the film thermometer 64.
[0113] Based on the temperature measured by the heater thermometer 62, the controller 6a
determines the energization method for the heating element set 45 in the preprocessing
period.
[0114] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the controller 6a in the period
from the start of the pre-processing period to the execution of the post-processing
in the second embodiment. Hereinafter, for simplicity of description, the same processing
as that executed by the controller 6 is denoted by the same reference numerals as
those in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, and description thereof will be omitted.
[0115] When the pre-processing period is started in ACT 101 (ACT 101, YES), the controller
6a executes the process of ACT 202. When at least one of the temperatures measured
by the heater thermometer 62 is equal to or lower than the second heater temperature
(ACT 202, YES), the controller 6a executes the process of ACT 203, as described in
Fig. 9.
[0116] On the other hand, when all of the temperatures measured by the heater thermometer
62 are equal to or higher than the second heater temperature (ACT 202, NO), the controller
6a executes the process of ACT 204. When all of the temperatures measured by the heater
thermometer 62 are within the first heater temperature range (ACT 204, YES), the controller
6a executes the process of ACT 205.
[0117] On the other hand, when at least one of the temperatures measured by the heater thermometer
62 is not within the first heater temperature range (ACT 204, NO), the controller
6a executes the process of ACT 206.
[0118] Next to the execution of the process of ACT 203, ACT 205 or ACT 206, the controller
6a executes the process of ACT 104. Next to the process of ACT 104, the controller
6a executes the process of ACT 105. Next to the process of ACT 105, the controller
6a executes the process of ACT 106.
[0119] The image forming apparatus 100a of the second embodiment configured as described
above has the controller 6a for controlling the central triac 96a and the end triac
96b to energize the heating element set 45 before the pressing roller 30p is rotated,
whereby viscosity of lubricant applied to the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical
film 35 can be reduced before rotation, thereby suppressing occurrence of torque increase.
In addition, since the image forming apparatus 100a according to the second embodiment
is capable of suppressing the occurrence of torque increase, it is possible to appropriately
drive the film regardless of the state of use.
(Modified Example)
[0120] Hereinafter, the power supplied to the heating element set 45 by the first energization
method during the pre-processing period will be referred to as a first power. Hereinafter,
the power supplied to the heating element set 45 by the second energization method
during the pre-processing period will be referred to as a second power. Hereinafter,
the power supplied to the heating element set 45 by the third energization method
during the pre-processing period will be referred to as a third power. The first time
period, the second time period and the third time period may not necessarily be the
same. The ratio of the first period to the second period may be any value which is
equal to a second ratio to a first ratio, where the first ratio is the ratio of the
first power to the first duty ratio, and the second ratio is the ratio of the second
power to the second duty ratio. The ratio of the third period to the third period
may be any value which is equal to a third ratio to the first ratio, where the third
ratio is the ratio of the third power to the third duty ratio.
[0121] It should be noted that the pre-processing execution condition does not necessarily
depend solely on the temperature measured by the film thermometer 64. The pre-processing
execution condition is, for example, a condition that at least one of the plurality
of heater thermometers 62 is equal to or higher than the first heater temperature.
[0122] The controller 6 may energize not the first end heating element 45b1 and the second
end heating element 45b but the central heating element 45a in the pre-processing
period. In this case, the viscosity of lubricant located at the end portion of the
inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical film 35 is higher than the viscosity of
lubricant located at the center portion of the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical
film 35. Therefore, the lubricant supplied in this way hardly leaks to the outer side
of the cylindrical film 35.
[0123] The image forming apparatus 100 may further include an ambient thermometer 65 in
addition to the heater thermometer 62 and the film thermometer 64. The ambient thermometer
65 measures ambient temperature of a target object to which the ambient thermometer
65 is attached. When the image forming apparatus 100 includes the ambient thermometer
65, the controller 6 may determine the energization method based on the temperature
measured by the heater thermometer 62, the film thermometer 64, and the ambient thermometer
65.
[0124] For example, when the temperature measured by the ambient thermometer 65 is higher
than a predetermined value, the controller 6 determines, as the pre-processing energization
method, a high power pre-processing energization method. In the high power pre-processing
energization method, electric power supplied to the heating element set 45 is higher
than the electric power supplied when the temperature measured by the ambient thermometer
65 is lower than the predetermined value. Specifically, in the high power pre-processing
energization method, the electric power is supplied to the heating element set 45
for a longer time than the electric power supplied when the temperature measured by
the ambient thermometer 65 is lower than the predetermined value.
[0125] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the ambient thermometer 65 in the modified example.
The ambient thermometer 65 may be attached to any position in the vicinity of the
fixing unit 30. The vicinity of the fixing unit 30 is a position where ambient temperature
of the fixing unit 30 can be measured by the ambient thermometer 65. The ambient temperature
meter 65 may be attached to the housing 10 located outside the film unit 30h, for
example, as shown in FIG. 13.
[0126] Incidentally, the position of the film thermometer 64 may be any position as long
as it is located inside the cylindrical film 35 and on the +x direction side of the
heater unit 40. The position of the film thermometer 64 may be, for example, a position
at which an angle θ formed between a line perpendicular to the inner surface of the
contact point with the cylindrical film 35 and a line perpendicular to the nip N is
equal to or larger than 45 degrees.
[0127] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the angle θ formed in the modified example. FIG. 14
shows that the angle θ formed by the straight line Lf perpendicular to the inner surface
of the contact point with the cylindrical film 35 and the straight line CL perpendicular
to the nip N is equal to or larger than 45 degrees.
[0128] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a relationship between the temperature measured by the
film thermometer 64 and the temperature of the heating element set 45 for each angle
θ in the modification example. In FIG. 15, the horizontal axis represents time, and
the vertical axis represents temperature. FIG. 15 shows that the longer the angle
θ formed by the film thermometer 64 is, the more gradual the temperature of the film
thermometer becomes. FIG. 15 shows that the time change of the temperature measured
by the film thermometer 64 having the angle θ of 45 degrees or more is approximately
equal to that of the temperature of the heating element set in the range of heating
element set 45. Therefore, FIG. 15 shows that the image forming apparatus 100 having
the angle θ of 45 degrees or more can suppress the occurrence of torque increase more
efficiently than the image forming apparatus 100 having the angle θ less than 45 degrees.
[0129] The heating element set 45 includes three heating elements (i.e., the central heating
element 45a, the first end heating element 45b1, and the second end heating element
45b2). In contrast, the number of heating elements included in the heating element
set 45 may be one or two, and may be four or more.
[0130] The heater thermometer 62 includes two heater thermometers (i.e., the center heater
thermometer 62a and the end heater thermometer 62b). In contrast, the number of heater
thermometers 62 may be three or more.
[0131] The plurality of thermostats 68 comprise two thermostats (i.e., the central thermostat
68a and the end thermostat 68b). In contrast, the number of the plurality of thermostats
68 may be three or more.
[0132] In the aforementioned embodiments, the image forming apparatus 100 or 100a includes
the fixing unit 30. In contrast, the image forming apparatus may be a decoloring apparatus,
which has a decoloring unit instead of the fixing unit 30. The decoloring apparatus
performs a process of decoloring (i.e., erasing) an image formed on a sheet by a decolorable
toner. The decoloring unit heats the decolorable toner image formed on the sheet passing
through the nip to decolorize the toner image.
[0133] The pre-processing end condition may be, for example, a condition in which at least
one of the temperatures measured by the heater thermometers 62 is equal to or greater
than a predetermined temperature (hereinafter referred to as a "second pre-processing
end condition"). When the pre-processing end condition is the first pre-processing
end condition, the occurrence frequency of the situation in which the lubricant is
partially fixed is lower than that in the case where the pre-processing end condition
is the second pre-processing end condition. Therefore, when the preceding end condition
is the first pre-processing end condition, the image forming apparatus 100 can suppress
the occurrence of torque increase as compared to the case where the pre-processing
end condition is the second pre-processing end condition.
[0134] The pre-processing heater condition does not necessarily need to be the first pre-processing
heater condition. The pre-processing heater condition may be a condition that all
of the temperatures measured by the heater thermometers 62 are lower than the first
heater temperature (hereinafter, referred to as "second pre-processing heater conditions").
The second pre-processing heater condition is a condition included in the first pre-processing
heater condition. When the pre-processing heater condition is the first pre-processing
heater condition, the occurrence frequency of the situation in which the lubricant
is partially fixed is lower than that in the case where the pre-processing heater
condition is the second pre-processing heater condition. Therefore, when the pre-processing
heater condition is the first pre-processing heater condition, the image forming apparatus
100 can suppress the occurrence of torque increase as compared to the case where the
pre-processing heater condition is the second pre-processing heater condition.
[0135] The pre-processing film condition does not necessarily need to be the first pre-processing
film condition. The pre-processing film condition may be a condition in which all
of the temperatures measured by the plurality of film thermometers 64 are lower than
the film temperature (hereinafter referred to as "second pre-processing film conditions").
The second pre-processing film condition is a condition included in the first pre-processing
film condition. When the pre-processing film condition is the first pre-processing
film condition, the occurrence frequency of the situation in which the lubricant is
partially fixed is lower than that in the case where the pre-processing film condition
is the second pre-processing film condition. Therefore, when the pre-processing film
condition is the first pre-processing film condition, the image forming apparatus
100 can suppress the occurrence of torque increase as compared with the case where
the pre-processing film condition is the second pre-processing film condition.
[0136] In ACT 201 shown in FIG. 9 or FIG. 12, the controller 6 does not necessarily have
to determine whether or not at least one of the temperatures measured by the film
thermometer 64 is lower than the film temperature (hereinafter referred to as "ACT
201 first determination"). In ACT 201, the controller 6 may determine whether or not
all of the temperatures measured by the film thermometer 64 are lower than the film
temperature (hereinafter referred to as "ACT 201 second determination"). In ACT 201,
when the controller 6 executes the ACT 201 first determination, the occurrence frequency
of the situation where the lubricant is partially fixed is lower than that in the
case where the ACT 201 second determination is performed. Therefore, when the controller
6 executes the ACT 201 first determination in ACT 201, the image forming apparatus
100 can suppress the occurrence of torque increase compared to the case in which the
ACT 201 second determination is performed.
[0137] In ACT 202 shown in FIG. 9 or FIG. 12, the controller 6 does not necessarily have
to determine whether or not at least one of the temperatures measured by the heater
thermometer 62 is lower than the second heater temperature (hereinafter referred to
as "ACT 202 first determination"). In ACT 202, the controller 6 may determine whether
or not all of the temperatures measured by the heater thermometer 62 are lower than
the second heater temperature (hereinafter referred to as "ACT 202 second determination").
In ACT 202, when the controller 6 executes the ACT 202 first determination, the occurrence
frequency of the situation where the lubricant is partially fixed is lower than that
in the case where the ACT 202 second determination is performed. Therefore, when the
controller 6 executes the ACT 202 first determination in ACT 202, the image forming
apparatus 100 can suppress the occurrence of torque increase compared to the case
in which the ACT 202 second determination is performed.
[0138] Note that in ACT 204 shown in FIG. 9 or FIG. 12, the controller 6 does not necessarily
have to determine whether or not all of the temperatures measured by the heater thermometer
62 are within the first heater temperature range (hereinafter referred to as "ACT
204 first determination"). In ACT 204, the controller 6 may determine whether or not
at least one of the temperatures measured by the heater thermometer 62 is within the
first heater temperature range (hereinafter referred to as "ACT 204 second determination").
In ACT 204, when the controller 6 executes the ACT 204, the occurrence frequency of
the situation where the lubricant is partially fixed is lower than that in the case
where the ACT 204 second determination is performed. Therefore, when the controller
6 executes the ACT 204 first determination in ACT 204, the image forming apparatus
100 can suppress the occurrence of torque increase compared to the case in which the
ACT 204 second determination is performed.
[0139] All or part of the functions of the image forming apparatuses 100 and 100a may be
performed by any hardware, such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit),
a PLD (Programmable Logic Device), or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The
program may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. The computer-readable
recording medium is, for example, a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a portable
medium such as a ROM, a CD-ROM, or the like, a storage device such as a hard disk
incorporated in a computer system, or the like. The program may be transmitted over
a telecommunications line.
[0140] In the above embodiments, the CPU 91 of the controller 6 executes programs for achieving
the functions of the image forming apparatus 100 or 100a, but those functions may
be implemented by a circuit such as an LSI.
[0141] According to at least one embodiment described above, the image forming apparatus
100 and 100a may have the controller 6 or the controller 6a for controlling the central
triac 96a and the end triac 96b to energize the heating element set 45 before rotating
the pressing roller 30p, thereby reducing viscosity of lubricant applied to the inner
peripheral surface of the cylindrical film 35 before rotation and suppressing torque
increase. Further, since the image forming apparatus 100 and the image forming apparatus
100a can suppress the occurrence of torque increase, the film can be appropriately
driven regardless of the state of use.
[0142] While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments have been presented
by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventions.
Indeed, the novel embodiments described herein may be embodied in a variety of other
forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the
embodiments described herein may be made without departing from the scope of the inventions.
The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or
modifications as would fall within the scope of the inventions.